Paperboy

A paperboy (also sometimes called a paper carrier, newsboy, or news carrier) is an individual, traditionally a child or adolescent, who delivers newspapers to subscribers' homes or businesses on a regular route. This was a common form of employment, particularly for young people seeking part-time work and developing a sense of responsibility.

Historically, paperboys often delivered newspapers early in the morning before school or after school in the afternoon. They might walk, cycle, or, in more rural areas, drive a car to complete their route. The job typically involved folding newspapers, inserting advertising flyers, and collecting payments from subscribers.

The role of the paperboy has significantly declined in recent decades due to various factors, including:

• The rise of online news sources and digital media consumption.
• Decreased newspaper circulation.
• Increased labor regulations and restrictions on child labor.
• Competition from other part-time employment opportunities for young people.

While the term "paperboy" often evokes a nostalgic image of childhood enterprise, the profession is now largely replaced by adult delivery drivers or, in some cases, completely abandoned in favor of digital subscriptions. The term itself is sometimes used figuratively to describe someone who regularly distributes information, regardless of the medium.